Most Popular Names
Top boys name: Jacob, Top girls name: Emily
21st century baby naming trends; biblical classics (Jacob, Noah) and modern favorites (Emma, Olivia, Liam) dominate
by Yann Martel
21st century bestseller or culturally defining novel
Apple launches MP3 player
21st century consumer tech and digital platforms
by Peter Jackson
21st century box office hit or critically acclaimed film
Republican Party
9/11 attacks, War on Terror, 2008 financial crisis
by Lifehouse
Billboard Hot 100 year-end #1 hit, reflecting radio, sales, and streaming
Year-End Close
-7% from previous year
Dot-com bust
Fashion dolls rivaling Barbie